Try out Scalextric and vinyl at Wigan pensioner's new businesses

A Wigan pensioner has combined his love for music and cars to open two unique businesses.

Peter Thompson, 73, from Ashton has created Scalextric car racing tracks and a cafe in an upper floor unit of Greensway Shopping Centre in his home town.

The business, known as Ashton Slot Car Racing, is due to open its doors on May 19 when lockdown measures are hoped to be eased further.

It comes after Peter also opened Revolving Records, a music shop selling vinyl, in July on the ground floor of the same premises, which is currently open.

Peter said he cannot wait to get started with the Scalextric business.

He said: “I’ve never had a Scalextric track and I bought an American book in 1972 about slot car racing.

“That’s where the idea came from but it never came about until a room became available at the shopping centre and I thought I’d go for it.”

Inventive Peter has put together five large tracks, four measuring 14ft by 4ft and one being sized at 16ft by 6ft.

The tracks have different themes including an alpine landscape with mountains and snow and another with greenery and trees and bridges.

He said: “Up to 14 people can all be playing on the tracks at one time and I have 50 cars.

“There is a Mini, a Lamborghini and saloon cars to name a few and they date from the 1980s.

“The tracks are for all age groups and it’s great fun for children rather than going on a games console. I can’t wait to get started.”

Peter is planning a free opening day on May 19 so people can give it a try.

And Peter also encouraged people to try out his music shop which he said had gone down well since opening.

He said: “I opened it up in July but it’s had to close a lot because of lockdown but the shop re-opened last Monday (April 12).

“With word of mouth I can make a living from it and everyone who comes in says it’s a good thing that there’s a record shop in Ashton as there are lots of food outlets but nothing like this, although there are a couple in Wigan.”

Music on offer includes 60s, pop and rock and Peter has 12 inch singles that are highly collectable, 2,500 vinyl albums and 3,000 vinyl single CDs.

Peter added: “I’ve always had a passion for music and never thought I’d end up opening up my own record shop but it’s really exciting.”

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